Linda and Jack are a married couple with four children, the two eldest from Linda’s previous marriage. One year prior to their session with Satir, 17-year-old Sean assaulted his 15-year-old sister Michelle, driving the family into therapy. As Sean emerges from his initial period of treatment, the family meets with Satir, who immediately connects with them through naming their individual and collective strengths.
You’ll be awed by Satir’s skill at building authentic rapport with the six members—even the youngest, nonverbal siblings—while illuminating their family dynamics through a series of exercises that emphasize direct communication and empathizing with the other. Her humor and care are readily apparent, as is the degree to which she physically immerses herself in the family unit. Throughout the session, Satir maintains a safe holding environment that supports honest cross-communication, paves the way for deeper connection between the parents, and establishes building blocks for future work.
This is an essential resource for therapists looking to learn more about family systems, assessment, creative interventions, and Satir’s unique, bold approach. Featuring commentary from Satir’s early students and an introduction from Satir herself, this video is a must for your collection.
This video is part of the 5-video series, The Virgia Satir Series. Other videos in this series include:
- A Step Along the Way: A Family with a Drug Problem
- Of Rocks and Flowers: Dealing with the Abuse of Children
- The Essence of Change
- Blended Family with a Troubled Boy
